Thousands Donate To Family Of Fallen San Diego Firefighter​

UPDATE: Over $500,000 Raised For Family Of Fallen San Diego Firefighter

SAN DIEGO, CA – The local community and people across the country are rallying around the family of a fallen firefighter from San Diego County.

Cory Iverson, a fire apparatus engineer from Cal Fire's San Diego unit, died Thursday while fighting the Thomas Fire in Ventura County, the fourth-largest wildfire in the state's history.

Iverson is survived by his wife, Ashley, and their 2-year-old daughter, Evie. His wife is pregnant with their second daughter, who is due in the spring.

The 32-year-old Escondido resident had worked with Cal Fire since 2009.

READ: Cal Fire Engineer From San Diego County Dies Fighting Thomas Fire

Cecily Bauchmann, a friend and colleague of Ashley's, launched a GoFundMe page Thursday in support of Iverson's wife, daughter and expected daughter.

On the campaign page, Bauchmann called Iverson "a true hero" and said he "leaves behind his best friend and devoted wife and a daughter with another little girl on the way."

In 20 hours, more than $175,000 had been raised online for the family, surpassing the original goal of $150,000. The goal was raised to $350,000.

Cal Fire announced Friday that Cal Fire San Diego County Firefighters Benevolent Fund also established a donation page. The two funds are working together to support the family.

"This incident has shaken our organization to the core," Cal Fire San Diego Chief Tony Mecham said during a press conference Thursday. "It has affected us statewide, but no more than here in San Diego County."

By late Friday afternoon, more than 2,500 people had donated to the online campaign, including people impacted by the Southern California wildfires.

"Truly sorry for your loss," Doug Memel wrote. "My parents' home in Ojai is safe because of the heroes like your husband. Thank you."

"My heart goes out to you and your daughters," Georgi Robinson wrote. "Your husband was a true hero and (gave) his life helping to save my Ventura house. Would have rather have lost my house and your husband still be alive. Know how many people are thinking and praying for you."

Samantha Ruegsegger said her husband has been fighting the same fire.

"My husband is on the same fire as yours was, and we too are expecting in May as well," she wrote. "My heart goes out to you and know you and your girls are in my thoughts and continued prayers. I am so so sorry for your loss."

Donations poured in from people across the country.

"We don't know each other, but your story has touched my heart," said Janie Keeton of Texas. "You and your sweet family will be in our prayers tonight. Praying for peace beyond understanding."

To donate to the GoFundMe campaign, click here.

To donate to the Cal Fire San Diego County Firefighters Benevolent Fund, visit l2881sd.org. Checks can also be mailed to the fund at 2650 Jamacha Road, Suite 147, El Cajon, California, 92019.

Top photo: Iverson family via GoFundMe